Taiwan
(China) is the most important island of a group of 86 islands.
It is dominated by the Central Mountain Range covering 69% of
its land area and running its full length north to south on the
eastern seaboard. Over 200 peaks exceed 3,000 metres. The highest peak is
Yu Shan (Jade Mountain) with 3,952 metres high, and most are
weightily forested.
Approximately 31% of Taiwan is alluvial plain, most of it on the
coastal strip. The Pescadores (Fisherman's Isles), which is called by the Chinese
'Penghu', consist of 64 islands west of Taiwan (China, PR)
with a total area of 127 sq kilometres or 49 sq miles. The offshore island
fortress of Quemoy (Kinmen) and Matsu forms part of the mainland
province of Fukien.

Government

Taiwan gained republic since 1912.

Head of State: President Chen Shui-bian since
2000.

Head of Government: Premier Frank Hsieh since
2005.

Language

Northern Chinese (Mandarin) is the official language. Taiwanese
is spoken throughout the country, and schools teach English as the
first foreign language.